The National Climate Innovation Challenge 2026 is a flagship national initiative being organised by the School of Water Resources (SoWR), IIT Kharagpur, in celebration of World Environment Day 2026 with a special focus on climate action, resilience, and sustainable innovation. As the world confronts rising temperatures, extreme weather events, water stress, and ecological degradation, the Challenge aims to inspire bold ideas and practical solutions that address the urgent realities of climate change while advancing environmental sustainability. Designed as a multitier platform, the programme will bring together school students, undergraduate and postgraduate students, and researchers, from across India through a series of competitive events, idea challenges, quizzes, model showcases, and research presentations. Participants will have the opportunity to present transformative ideas, technologies, and scalable solutions before experts from academia, industry, and government. Aligned with India’s sustainability priorities and Net Zero 2070 vision, the Challenge seeks to nurture the next generation of climate leaders and problem-solvers while fostering collaboration, creativity, and action for a greener, smarter, and more resilient future.